More about Istay Hostel

10.0

Exceptional

"Very cozy and near the airport"

Levy-Lyn

|

November 9, 2018

An overview

A stay at the Istay Hostel will make your Seoul vacation much more memorable and enjoyable. The rooms at this property overlook the city for stunning views of Seoul. This hostel is near Hongik University Street, Hongik University, Seum Teraphy, Shinchon Shopping Street, and Daean Gonggan Roof. It features family rooms, offering adequate space for your whole family to have a good time together. With a convenience store, a smoking area, a currency exchange, a laundromat, and safety deposit boxes, the Istay Hostel has various convenient features to make your stay more comfortable. It has BBQ facilities, restaurants on the property, and a shared kitchen, so there is a range of dining and snacking choices. With tours available, it is a great spot to stay to learn about the area and see everything you can while you're here. The Istay Hostel has air conditioning, so your stay will be comfortable.

The Istay Hostel provides free Wi-Fi in all rooms, as well as Wi-Fi in common areas, enabling you to stay connected to the web without having to purchase a local sim card. The hostel has various convenient services for you to make use of, such as laundry services and luggage storage. When you wake up, treat yourself to a free, tasty breakfast. It offers check-in from 02:00 PM until 10:00 PM. The Istay Hostel offers an express check in and check out service, enabling you to avoid waiting in slow-moving queues when getting ready to catch a train or plane back home. Gwangheungchang Subway Station is 230 m away and Sogang University Subway Station is 770 m away. The nearest airports are Gimpo Airport (GMP) and Seoul Incheon International Airport, which are 11.7 km and 43.9 km away.

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What they offer

9.2

Exceptional

"It was nice staying there."

Mrash

|

January 8, 2019

Languages spoken

English

Chinese [Mandarin]

Korean

Internet access

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!

Wi-Fi in public areas

Things to do, ways to relax

Ticket services

Tours

Dining, drinking, and snacking

Breakfast [free]

Restaurants

Shared kitchen

Services and conveniences

Convenience store

Laundry service

Smoke-free property

Currency exchange

Luggage storage

Smoking area

Daily housekeeping

Safety deposit boxes

For the kids

Family room

Access

Check-in/out [express]

Check-in [24-hour]

Pets allowed

Check-in/out [private]

Elevator

Security [24-hour]

Getting around

Taxi service

Available in all rooms

Air conditioning

Linens

Smoke detector

Blackout curtains

Mirror

Soundproofing

Extra long bed

Non-smoking

Toiletries

Free bottled water

Refrigerator

Towels

Hair dryer

Satellite/cable channels

Wi-Fi [free]

Heating

Shower

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Nearest essentials

Airports

Gimpo Airport (GMP)

11.8 km

Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN)

43.8 km

Public transportation

Gwangheungchang Subway Station

230 m

Sogang University Subway Station

770 m

Hospital or clinic

Shinchon Yonsei Hospital

1.4 km

Shopping

Myeong-dong

4.6 km

Convenience store

On-site

Cash withdrawal

ATM

1.4 km

Distances shown are straight-line distances on the map. Actual travel distances may vary.

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What to eat nearby

Korean cuisine

Nene Chicken Ewha Womans University

1.4 km Korean

Art de Chef CenterMark Hotel

5.5 km Korean

HaetSsal SutBbul Gogalbi Zzukumi

6.8 km Korean

American cuisine

Musasi

1.4 km American, Japanese

Table No.8

1.6 km American, Asian, International

Bennigan's Ewha Womans University Restaurant

1.6 km American, Grill

Asian cuisine

Jiho Hanbang Samgyetang

40 m Asian, Korean

Aseowon

720 m Asian, Korean

Jumeokko Gamjatang

800 m Asian, Korean

What's nearby

Popular landmarks

The War Memorial of Korea - 4.03 km

Deoksugung - 4.46 km

Myeong-dong - 4.64 km

National Museum of Korea - 4.73 km

Myeongdong Shopping Street - 4.98 km

Cheonggyecheon Stream - 5.37 km

Gyeongbokgung Palace - 5.37 km

Changdeokgung Palace - 6.43 km

N Seoul Tower - 8.37 km

Lotte World - 15.07 km

Nearby landmarks

Gwangheungchang Subway Station - 230 m

Sogang University Subway Station - 770 m

Hongik University Street - 840 m

Skunk Hell - 860 m

Hongik University - 860 m

Daeheung Subway Station - 870 m

Four Seasons House - 910 m

Sangsu Subway Station - 930 m

Sk@ - 940 m

Seum Teraphy - 950 m

Distances shown are straight-line distances on the map. Actual travel distances may vary.

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Property's guest policies

Children and extra beds

Extra beds are dependent on the room you choose. Please check the individual room capacity for more details.

Minimum age of guests is: 0 year(s).

Guest's age

Extra bed

Children 0-3 year(s)

Stay for free if using existing bedding.

If you need an extra bed, it will incur an additional charge.

Guests 4 years and older are considered as adults

Must use an extra bed which will incur an additional charge.

Others

When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

I was given instructions via email on how to do self check in and you can easily to self check out. Room was clean when i arrived. You need to surrender the used towel to get a new one the next morning. Water pressure was weak on the shower head so had a bit of a challenge showering most of the time. No place for me to hang my jacket/pants, hope they could do something about this next time. Staff availability only from morning till afternoon so you are on your own in case you have concerns in the evening. You need to contact them in advance in case you need to do some laundry the following day.

Reviewed April 27, 2019

Dear Ronalad~ Thank you for the great review of our hostel. It would be really helpful for us and other guests! Thank you so much again and hope to see you again :)

Responded April 28, 2019

Istay Hostel

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4.4

Jess from Malaysia

Couple

Double (Private Bathroom)

Stayed 4 nights in April 2019

Acceptable”

Pro: considerably strategic
Cons : 1. water pumping/pressure system needs immediate upgrade where shower water flow was too small that u can hardly bathe, even almost scalded myself as its hard to control the water flow where hot water appears out of no way. Imagine when u just came back after one day of full itinerary yet u have to struggle with bathing. 2. Air conditioning not available although it's not winter. 3. Towel provided has got Foul smell.

Reviewed April 20, 2019

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3.2

Nuan from Malaysia

Solo traveler

Twin - Private Bathroom

Stayed 4 nights in February 2019

Staff no polite, service bad”

I’m onli like the place nearby subway station (Gwangheungchang) line no.6. First day reach korea can’t find the place. 2nd day we used to it how to take subway to every where.. we don’t like the room. Toilet no plastic bag provide, toilet cannot flush. Staff the way she talk like blame us we do spoilt the toilet? We are no recommended to stay again this hostel again...

Reviewed April 17, 2019

Thank you for the reveiw!

Responded April 19, 2019

Istay Hostel

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8.0

Excellent

Maria from Philippines

Couple

Double (Private Bathroom)

Stayed 3 nights in February 2019

Just good enough for couples ”

The room was small but not too small. It was a bit old already as some parts were worn out. The upside though was that the neighbor hood was quieten and lotte supermart was literally beside the hostel. Also, Lauren was really accommodating and helpful.

Reviewed March 03, 2019

Dear Maria! Thank you for the great review of our hostel. It would be really helpful for us and other guests! Thank you so much again and hope to see you again :)

Responded March 04, 2019

Istay Hostel

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8.0

Excellent

Sara

Solo traveler

Single - Private Bathroom

Stayed 5 nights in January 2019

Very good”

Lauren was really nice and helpful. It's a good place for backpackers and solo travelers. There's a bus stop and a supermarket close to it and the subway station is around a 4-minute walk away. They don't have an elevator though but you can ask for help in carrying your luggage up to your room and/or down to the entrance / exit.

Reviewed February 12, 2019

Dear Sara! Thank you for the great review of our hostel. It would be really helpful for us and other guests! Thank you so much for visiting our hostel again, and hope to see you again :) Always all the best~!!

Responded February 13, 2019

Istay Hostel

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8.0

Excellent

elvy from Malaysia

Group

Twin - Private Bathroom

Stayed 6 nights in April 2019

Value for money”

Pro:
1. Bus Station (Sinsu Middle School) is just in front the hostel building.
2. Subway Station (Gwangheungchang) just 7 minutes away by walking.
3. 24 hours Convenient Store just around the corner.
4. Plenty of coffee shop and restaurant nearby.
5. Quiet neighbourhood but still safe.
For the price that we paid which is pretty cheap for Seoul standard I don't think there's is a cons staying at this hostel but please take note that it was a no frills hostel. We booked a 2 twin bed room with a private bathroom for rm120 per night. The room itself is tiny but its clean. Only consist of 2 beds and 1 small side table. Bathroom inside the room. Breakfast is simple. Breads, jam and juice. You can't bring food inside your room. Their office and kitchen just in front of our room but it doesn't bother us much since we usually go out early and back to our room late. Overall we have a pleasant stay here. Don't forget to throw away your own trash!

Reviewed April 09, 2019

Dear Elvy! Thank you for the great review of our hostel. It would be really helpful for us and other guests! Thank you so much again and hope to see you again :)

Responded April 12, 2019

Istay Hostel

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7.2

Very good

ANGELA from Singapore

Solo traveler

Double (Private Bathroom)

Stayed 2 nights in March 2019

Very good”

Staff is friendly and helpful. Spacious room, big towels are provided.
Close to Hongdae area.
Room is next to main road, noisy when cars passed by.
Would be great if the water pressure in room 301 is bigger.
It seems as though when someone else is bathing in other rooms, the water becomes so small and so hot. Had to waste time waiting for the water pressure to get bigger and water to turn cooler.
There is no lift, had to carry big luggage up & down the stairs by yourself.

Reviewed April 06, 2019

Dear, Angela! Thank you for the great review of our hostel. It would be really helpful for us and other guests! We are very sorry about the problem of water pressure. We also hope this problem is solved asap [trying to do our best]!! Thank you so much again and hope to see you again :)

Responded April 09, 2019

Istay Hostel

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10.0

Exceptional

Thamrong from Thailand

Group

Bunk Twin (Private Bathroom)

Stayed 2 nights in December 2018

This is the best hostel that i've ever visited. !!!!!!”

The staff was nice. She took care us so well. I'll recommend this hostel to everyone who are going or planing to travel to Korea. It is easy to reach there (by subway and there is also has lift to carry your baggage) and there are many minimarts and restaurants around the hostel. ดีมากๆค่ะ สะดวกในการเดินทางใกล้สถานีรถไฟ สตาฟน่ารักมากเอาใจใส่เราตลอด และยังมีร้านมินิมาร์ทรอบๆ สำหรับซื้อของฉุกเฉินด้วยค่ะ

Reviewed December 25, 2018

Hi Thamrong! Thank you for the great review of our hostel! Your comments will help us to motivate our staff and improve our service. We really appreciate you review.
Best regards

Responded December 26, 2018

Istay Hostel

1 traveler found this review helpful. Did you?|

8.4

Excellent

Mark from Philippines

Solo traveler

Twin - Private Bathroom

Stayed 5 nights in December 2018

NICE ACCOMMODATION, FRIENDLY STAFF”

The accommodation is just a 3-5minute walk from the nearest subway line 6. The location is quiet and has a nearby lotte store. Lauren is very helpful with the requests from late check-in to guides on how to get to places. Would love to see improvements on bigger towels and better breakfast option.

Reviewed December 13, 2018

Thank you for reviewing us, Mark!! It would be really helpful for us and other guests! Thank you so much again and hope to see you again :) All the best ~!!

Responded December 13, 2018

Istay Hostel

1 traveler found this review helpful. Did you?|

10.0

Exceptional

Jin from Singapore

Group

Single - Private Bathroom

Stayed 1 night in December 2018

Great staff and hostel”

Always stay here because it's good value for money and location is not too far from Hongdae which has the AREX to Incheon airport and staff is friendly and helpful.

Reviewed April 08, 2019

Jin~~~ Thank you for the great review of our hostel. Hope to see you again next time! Always the best and take care~~~

Responded April 09, 2019

Istay Hostel

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2.4

Nurfarhan from Malaysia

Business traveler

Bunk Twin (Private Bathroom)

Stayed 1 night in January 2019

MISS LAUREN , IS THE STAFF WORKED THERE WAS SO RUDE ”

MISS LAUREN , IS THE STAFF WORKED THERE WAS SO RUDE BY TREATING THE HOSTEL GUEST SOO BADLY. I WAS STAY THERE BEFORE, AND I'M GIVING BAD REVIEW TO, BECAUSE OF HER ATTITUDE. AS A BUSINESS MAN LIKE ME, I WOULD LIKE TO SUE HER . I STAY THERE FOR FEW DAYS, AND AS A STAFF, SHE MUST BE REALISED SHE IS NOT THE HOSTEL OWNER, SO BE IT LAUREN!!

Reviewed March 17, 2019

Thanks for your review~!

Responded March 25, 2019

Istay Hostel

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2.4

Nurfarhan from Malaysia

Business traveler

Double (Private Bathroom)

Stayed 1 night in January 2019

MISS LAUREN , STAFF WAS RUDE”

MISS LAUREN , IS THE STAFF WORKED THERE WAS SO RUDE BY TREATING THE HOSTEL GUEST SOO BADLY. I WAS STAY THERE BEFORE, AND I'M GIVING BAD REVIEW TO, BECAUSE OF HER ATTITUDE. AS A BUSINESS MAN LIKE ME, I WOULD LIKE TO SUE HER . I STAY THERE FOR FEW DAYS, AND AS A STAFF, SHE MUST BE REALISED SHE IS NOT THE HOSTEL OWNER, SO BE IT LAUREN!!

Reviewed March 17, 2019

Thanks for your review~!

Responded March 25, 2019

Istay Hostel

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3.6

Nurfarhan from Malaysia

Business traveler

Double (Private Bathroom)

Stayed 1 night in March 2019

Staff Miss Lauren was rude”

Staff named Miss Lauren was so rude by having bad words on her customer after sales. i have stayed there before and i have give one bad reviews upon her bad attitude, taught she owned the hotel by saying bad words and bad "after services" to the hotel guest. For Lauren, do act you are only work as a woker, do not pretend the HOTEL IS YOURS

Reviewed March 17, 2019

Hi, Nurfarhan. Thanks for your review. Could you please explain how did staff exactly tell bad words to you? What words? [This is because we cannot find any bad words from our chat on Whatsapp, so we are asking to you more detail.] And also, could you explain what kind of "after services" did you ask to the staff exactly? We hope you explain more detail about your complaint for fairness and evidence about provided services. We are very sorry for making this problem with guests, but the emotional reviews are not helpful to prove your score. As you can read our review, many of guests mentioned our good hospitality and attitude. Maybe people want to know the fact, right? Please tell us if you have anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, and feel free to talk with us. Hope you take a relax from the mood, and take a good trip in Seoul. Thank you.

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Istay Hostel

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6.4

Good

Nurfarhan from Malaysia

Business traveler

Double (Private Bathroom)

Stayed 1 night in March 2019

Staff is RUDE and UNPROFESSIONAL”

Well, rooms is nice, staff is far than nice, so not professional, well,, as a business owner like me, I kinda surprised she (MISS LAUREN) block me at the whatsapp , well, it was obvious she was triggered and it is non of my problem, the issue is the staff treat their after sales/services is so terrible! probably this is she get after studying abroad ..

Reviewed March 13, 2019

Thank you for your review, but please please stop sending msg even after your check out. This is also my very first time to see the situ with customer. You said I am good staff but now you said im terrible.. sigh... This is because he wanted a room even though we do not have an available room today. We are contacting to Agoda for preventing this problem next time. We will provide best service to customers as we did it until now. Thank you~~ Have a good day~~

Responded March 13, 2019

Istay Hostel

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3.6

KHANH from Vietnam

Couple

Double (Private Bathroom)

Stayed 2 nights in January 2019

You should advertise “breakfast included””

The breakfast was terribly poor, we had to eat quite in an office full of people who were working and yeah... it was just toasts FYI the toaster took ages to heat up a frozen slide of bread... and coffee (which every other guesthouse usually offers for free). And the water also so weak and again took time to be heated up. We like the self check-in system but the staffs aren’t helpful at all. They ended the call when we called to ask for the water problems...

Reviewed March 13, 2019

Thanks for your review and sorry for the inconvenience. We provide free coffee everyday, and most of our guests had a free coffee from brekkie time as you can see other reveiws. And also, just in front of the door before you come into the brekkie area, you definitely see an advertisement about our breakfast right? I do not understand why you say "you should advertise "breakfast included".... but I think we did it very well. Please consider that this is free breakfast and we offer free bread, coffee, juices and jam together. Thanks

Responded March 13, 2019

Istay Hostel

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9.2

Exceptional

Nur from Malaysia

Group

Triple Deluxe Room with Private Bathroom

Stayed 2 nights in December 2018

Exceptional”

I went there on Winter but i don't feel any heater inside the room. My family and I a bit freezing at night. There was a heater on floor but didn't felt it. Other than that were EXCELLENT. Friendly staff, clean room, a good location because it is near with subway station.

Reviewed February 22, 2019

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10.0

Exceptional

Farah from Malaysia

Group

Double (Private Bathroom)

Stayed 3 nights in September 2018

Exceptional”

Walking distance to subway station by 5-10min.
Pantry located inside the office but still can access after office close.
Good and friendly staff.
Few convenient shop located nearby area.
Few restaurant, pizza hut, ediya coffee and lotte supermart nearby the hotel.

Reviewed September 16, 2018

Thank you for reviewing us. It would be really helpful for us and other guests! Thank you so much again and hope to see you again :)

Thank you for reviewing us. It would be really helpful for us and other guests! Thank you so much again and hope to see you again :)

Responded November 16, 2018

Istay Hostel

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6.8

Good

Cornelia from Philippines

Family with teens

Triple Deluxe Room with Private Bathroom

Stayed 9 nights in March 2019

Room Assignment”

We were a family of three on March 21-30.
The room assigned to us was on the 4th. Since there was no elevator, in the future, the hostel might want to consider finding out the guests age and what not.
Overall, the accommodation was okay.

Reviewed April 12, 2019

Dear Cornelia! Thank you for the great review of our hostel. It would be really helpful for us and other guests! Thank you so much again and hope to see you again :) We already noticed that we do not have a lift on the Agoda website. Hope people should know it before they book a room at our hostel. We are glad to help people to lift their luggage every time, so please ask a help to staff if you need a help :) Thanks

Responded April 12, 2019

Istay Hostel

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9.2

Exceptional

Mrash from Philippines

Group

Twin - Private Bathroom

Stayed 3 nights in November 2018

4.5 stars”

It was nice staying there. the manager and staff were very friendly and very helpful! bus stop right infront of the hotel. the only problem is we had big luggages in tow and there were no elevators. Overall, it was a nice place to stay.

Reviewed January 08, 2019

Hi Mrash!! I miss you so much !! Thank you for the great review of our hostel! Your comments will help us to motivate our staff and improve our service. We really appreciate you review.
Happy New Year~
Best regards